Politics & Government

Shondel Will Seek Re-election to Avon Lake Council in November

Shondel appointed to vacated seat in early 2012, says deer and city services will be a priority.

Avon Lake Councilman John Shondel, appointed to council in January 2012 to fill Greg Zilka’s seat after his successful run for mayor, has announced he will run in the November General Election to keep his at-large seat.

Shondel was selected from six candidates to replace Zilka. At-large councilmen Dan Bucci and Martin O'Donnell have already announced their intentions to seek  one of the three at-large seats that will be decided on this year. 

“From my second Council Appointment interview, with the six elected members of Avon Lake City Council on Jan. 21, 2012, the question was there, but not asked directly,” Shondel said of the decision to run again. “I told my wife, if asked, I would reply that it depended on three factors. Would the citizens of Avon Lake want me to continue? Would my fellow council members want me to continue? Would she and I want to continue in light of the time commitment the position required?”

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Shondel, appointed at age 72, said the answer to all three was yes.

The former Green Beret launched Operation Fly The Flag two years ago to encourage proper US Flag etiquette in Avon Lake. I Just recently announced the Dedication of a Memorial Marker to the two Unknown Seamen who, according to legend, are buried in Lake Shore Cemetery.

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The nine-year Avon Lake resident has been involved in numerous aspects of the city including serving on the Board of the Britannia Estates Home Owners Association for six years and serving for two years on the St. Joseph Parish Pastoral Council.

When the city created the Avon Lake Historic Preservation Commission, he was named the first chairman, a position he had to relinquish after joining council.

“As an active student of local history, I am currently a member of the Avon Lake Historical Society, the Peter Miller House Museum and the Avon Lake Landmark Preservation Society,” Shondel said.

If re-elected, Shondel said city services and infrastructure—and deer--would be priorities.

“If returned to Council, I will continue to support legislation that maintains the high level of city services as well as the repair and/or replacement of our infrastructure and capital equipment necessary for the city employees to do their jobs well,” Shondel said.

As Chairman of the Environmental Committee, he said he would initiate whatever further legislation is necessary to allow Avon Lake to reduce the size of the deer herd in city limits.

Shondel earned a bachelor’s degree in social studies education from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree from The American College, in Bryn Mawr, Pa.


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